Renal Failure, also known as kidney failure, is a serious medical condition
in which the kidneys are not functioning properly or no longer work at all, so
the kidneys are unable to filter wastes, produce urine and maintain fluid
balances. This dysfunction causes a build up of toxins in the body which can
affect the blood, brain and heart, as well as other complications. Common
complications of Renal Failure are as follows:
1. High blood pressure
Through a complex network of hormones and feedback loops, the kidneys control
blood pressure. Unfortunately, the dysfunction of this network many cause Renal
Failure. In an effort to maintain blood flow through the failing kidneys,
hormones trigger increases in blood pressure even when pressures are already
high. High blood pressure will aggravate the kidney diseases, and the vicious
cycle continues.
2. Anemia
Kidneys have function to produce a hormone called erythropoietin which can
stimulate the bones to generate red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to
every part of the body. In Renal Failure, the kidneys produce too little
erythropoietin, causing reduced amounts of red blood cells. In this case,
patients may suffer from anemia. They will always feel weak and fatigue.
3. Heart failure
Healthy kidneys can regulate the amount of potassium in the blood, but in
Renal Failure they may lose that ability, causing dangerously high potassium
levels. Actually, potassium plays an important role in regulating the heartbeat.
With elevated potassium levels, patients may have irregular heartbeat, which may
even lead to death.
4. Electrolyte imbalances
Every part of the body can be affected by Chronic Kidney Failure. Patients
may have fluid retention which can result in pulmonary edema or swelling of the
extremities and elevated blood pressure. Besides, elevated phosphorus and
potassium levels may appear. A sudden rise in potassium levels can lead to heart
failure.
5. Infection
Untreated, Acute Renal Failure can lead to infection as the body's immune
system or immune response may be unable to function properly. Infection can also
result in further complications like malnutrition.
6. Weak bones
Elevated phosphorus levels may lead to decreased calcium levels, so Renal
Failure patients will suffer from weak bones and an increased risk for bone
fractures.
The above are some complications of Renal Failure. Effective treatment for
Renal Failure can help us prevent the appearance of these complications. Here
are our online experts, you can consult them about any questions of kidney
disease. It’s a pleasure to help you.